Surprise 70th birthday party salutes Scudder twins

On Oct. 17, 1942, two baby girls were delivered into the loving arms of Alice and Willis Scudder by Dr. George Kenny of St. Francis Hospital.

Sharon E. Siegel

On Oct. 17, 1942, two baby girls were delivered into the loving arms of Alice and Willis Scudder by Dr. George Kenny of St. Francis Hospital.

These well-known twins, thought to be the oldest set of twins living in Port Jervis, were surprised with a party hosted by family and friends in the community they proudly call home.

"They are wonderful people, and they share a special twin bond," said Millie Launt, a twin friend whose husband coincidentally is also a twin. "Ann and Alice may not always agree on everything, but they are always there for each other. We just thought it would be nice to do something special for them, since they've never really had any big parties since their parents were still alive."

Alice Nancy Scudder, born at 1:52 a.m. and weighing 6 pounds, 13 ounces, was born eight minutes before her twin, Ann Norinne Scudder, who weighed just an ounce and-a-half less.

"Alice came out head first, and I came out feet first. Our hearts were lined up exactly behind each other, and because of that nobody knew I was there," Ann said. "I was a complete surprise to everyone."

The two have always been glad to be twins, to know that they are always there for each other. Although they are used to being called by the wrong name and compared to each other, they say they are similar in some ways and unique in others.

"We like a lot of the same things, and our values and moral principles of life are the same. But I do think my sister is a little more independent than I am," Ann kidded. "After all, I am the baby of the family."

The Scudder sisters are the 42nd officially recorded set of twins in their family. They have always lived within a one-mile radius of their birthplace, and always on East or West Main Streets. Born at St. Francis Hospital, they lived on East Main Street until age 3 and then on West Main Street through today. They also graduated from Port Jervis High School on East Main Street, in 1960.

Neither has ever felt an urge to move out of their hometown.

"The people are great, and we've always had a lot to do here," Alice said. "We just love the area — and the people."

Both are retired from longtime

careers, Alice after 50 years with the A&P Tea Co., and Ann first as a pharmacy worker for 20 years and then in banking for the past 28 years.

The sisters have seen many changes in their community since their childhood days, including some they would like to see change back. They nostalgically recall the Erie Railroad where their dad worked, the larger variety of retail stores on Front Street, policemen directing pedestrians, neighborhood schools, and the people who have come and gone.

"But it's still a beautiful area with wonderful friends that we have had for many years. We love this area," Alice said. "People are always willing to help, and we have wonderful volunteers."

The twins are enjoying their retirements, including having more time to work in their yard, help other people, take leisurely rides, and spend more time with friends.

"It's also nice to be able to do whatever we want to do when we want to do it, including sometimes doing nothing," Ann chuckled.

One more thing they both enjoy is their pets. Alice's Sammie Lee and Ann's Brady Daniel, 10½-year-old toy poodles, are brothers — twins, of course.

Captions:

Photo 1:

Photo provided

Alice (foreground) and Ann (closest to steps) Scudder, at 3 years of age, are pictured walking their matching doll carriages in front of what was then Port Jervis High School (now the middle school) on East Main Street.

Photo 2:

Photo provided

From left, Alice and Ann Scudder are pictured on an East Main Street bench as toddlers.

Photo 3:

Photo provided

From left, Alice Nancy Scudder and Ann Norinne Scudder are pictured at age 2½ at their apartment at 101 E. Main Street, known then as the Ruderman Apartments.

Photo 4:

Photo provided

Alice and Ann Scudder each had their own birthday cake every year, including on the occasion of their second birthday party as pictured here in their East Main Street apartment.

Photo 5:

Photo by Sharon Siegel

Sisters and friends, Ann (seated) and Alice were recently treated to a party hosted by friends at Len and Jo's West Main Street restaurant.

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